Comments Off on Beauty Products for Dry Winter Skin
Starting off the new week with a skincare video; here’s a roundup of the beauty products I’ve been slathering on my face in an attempt to beat the dreaded “winter dryness”. I think my horrifically dry and tight skin has been more down to being ill rather than the weather, because until very recently it hasn’t been too cold at all, but the symptoms have been much the same. A stretched, flaky forehead, general dehydration and sensitive, red skin around my nose and on my chin.
Read about more products for dry skin…
There’s a good mix of different brands and budgets here – completely by fluke, I should say! – and quite a few of the products shown are actually on sale at the moment. The Zelens Intensive Recovery Repair Balm has about twenty quid off, which helps a lot considering the high price point, the Darphin cream (reviewed last week here) is still reduced and the Olay serum is a third of its usual price. All of the product links are below the video pane, so – as always – if you can’t bear the sound of my voice and don’t want to see a cute baby scoop about eighty-thousand pounds worth of face cream out of a pot with her chubster hands then please feel free to scroll on down.
Right you are, let’s get on with the show, shall we? I must get around to reviewing a lot of these dry skin products separately, so make sure you give me a nudge in the comments if there’s something you specifically want to hear more about. Enjoy…
NB: I’m not recommending the micellar as a cleanser for dry skin, it’s just something I’ve been using as I’ve been ill!
Comments Off on Stop Telling Us To Get Off Our Phones
How many of us will ever be able to recall a time without mobile phones? They’ve become such a scarily integrated part of our lives that I think we’d collectively struggle to go about our daily business without one. My first mobile phone was about the size of a house brick and by a brand I don’t even think still exists; it weighed about as much as a small child and could do little other than make and receive calls to the few people that also had a mobile phone (namely my mum.) When I discovered it could actually send text messages (even though they were only twenty characters long and took about ten minutes to write,) it was a revolution! Within a few years mobiles had evolved, the prices had reduced and Nokia realised there was potential to turn this new gadget into a fashion accessory: I think I spent more money on new fascias than I did outfits back then. Not only could we spend hours playing Snake, but we wasted away our evenings texting our mates about all the things we could’ve probably just waited to chat about the next morning. That was, until we ran out of credit and had to buy a phone card on the way into school.
Back then a mobile phone was seen as a luxury, not a necessity, and you could easily leave it in your bag for the entirety of a day without even glancing at it. Now, it’s slightly different; our phones have become the modern Filofax, hosting everything about our lives we need to manage them effectively (calendars, contact details, emails, banking) alongside every app imaginable to keep us occupied (games, mindfulness, shopping, podcasts.) Chuck in a few social networks into the mix and it’s no wonder we’ll be the first generation to get turkey neck and arthritis in our fingers from overuse of an iPhone. Since they were launched back in the 1980’s, there’s been a total revolution in the way we use our devices. No longer are they a way of maintaining communication, but a way of helping to run our lives; in a modern world smartphones allow us to answer an email on the go or get a head-start on that presentation, as much as they allow us to share what we’re having for dinner. Personally speaking, my phone is my life; as a self-employed businesswoman it allows me to work wherever and whenever I need to, while maintaining essential social connections that (quite simply) stop me from cracking up. So why are we so unfairly judged by others for using one?
Let me tell you a story… A couple of months ago my Nan was about to undergo a much needed hip replacement. My mum lives a few hours away and my aunt is a carer who works long shifts, so it fell to me to ensure she attended her pre-op appointments and got to hospital when she needed to be there. While she was having her bloods taken I was in the waiting room catching up on emails and monitoring my social media accounts, when two other visitors started a rather rude conversation in front of (and obviously directed at) me about the fact that ‘the younger generation’ didn’t know how to talk to people because they were so engrossed in their phones. What I wanted to say, but refrained from doing so, was this: “I’m self employed and I’m currently managing my business from this device. An iPhone is not the devil; it allows me to accompany my grandmother during an anxious time, without having to jeopordise my income. It allows me to be with her over the next week so she’s never alone, continuing to maintain relationships that are essential to my career, but also ensures I can update loved ones as to her condition and progress. Stop judging what you don’t understand, because I don’t judge you for your inability to be open-minded.”
Over the last week or two I’ve seen increasing amounts of conversation from my peers around the judgement they’ve received for being on their phones in public. Danielle Peazer recently tweeted: “Sat waiting for a train and a man literally just interrupted my day to ask ‘why would you do without your phone’ because I was using it.” She went on to say: “Well sir I happen to run 90% of my business from my phone. I may not be wearing a suit or sat at a desk, but I’m working fucking hard.” Kellie from Big Fashionista continued: “I get this on the school run. The LOLLIPOP MAN, was going, You are always on your phone. I replied, I’ve been up since 6am working on this phone and it means I CAN walk my child to school, I’m lucky.” Our smartphones are devices that, yes, can be irritating when your dinner date refuses to stop checking Facebook or snapchatting their coffee, but they are also essential part of a whole generation’s working life.
My phone is my business; if I’m on it I’m either replying to emails, updating my social media accounts, checking my calendar or actually attempting to manage a conversation with loved ones. I’m neither playing Candy Crush, stalking people on Facebook or reading The Lad Bible. (Much anyway.) My income relies on the fact I can work whenever and wherever I need to, and also includes sharing snippets of my life to those of you that are interested; it would be impossible to do that without my phone. So many media stories focus on the damaging effects of smartphone useage (sleep deprivation, back and neck pain, anxiety, hand cramp, concentration issues,) but none of them focus upon the freedom and flexibility they have brought those of us that need to work from them. When sitting on the train or waiting in the Starbucks queue I do feel guilty for being on my phone and am very aware of those eyes looking at me, more so from much older generations than my peers, which makes me anxious about doing so in public. That’s not ok.
Smartphones allow working mothers to put their children to bed before getting back to emails; they allow digital influencers to make a living from creating content and doing what they love; they allow us the freedom to take a few days out of the office without losing track of a big project; they allow us to manage our lives effectively and efficiently while experiencing new things; they allow us to connect with those that are precious to us in an instant, sharing news or just saying hello when that’s needed most. When has that ever been a bad thing? So, dude on the train, in the hospital or Kellie’s lollipop man: don’t judge what you don’t understand and don’t make us feel bad for simply trying to make a living. We’re all just grafting, but in different ways.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Comments Off on Eight Of The Podcasts I’m Obsessed With (Plus Your Chance To WIN A Radio To Listen To Them On!)
I’ve started to wonder what I actually did before I discovered podcasts; they now accompany me to the gym, on the tube, in the bath and even in my office while I’m snapping away or planning content. They provide such a great way to discover stories, learn, indulge your passions or even just have a giggle – so it’s no surprise they’re seeing a resurgence in popularity and are undoubtedly the hottest form of media right now. Since I got my Hepburn MK II VQ radio I’ve probably listened to more podcasts than is probably healthy, but it definitely beats listening to the same Spotify playlist on repeat or the drivel that happens to be on the radio past about midday. One of the main topics of conversation with my mates is now which podcasts we’ve been listening to or what recommendations we’ve got for each other, which sure beats chat about Big Brother or Love Island in my opinion! If you’ve yet to discover the amazing world of podcasts, then pop over here and read my info for beginners, and then pop back and take note of the eight shows I think you need to know about right now… Headphones at the ready.
Talking Crime: A True Crime Podcast This started life as a narrative to the Jonbenet Ramsay documentary that was on in the States last year (if you haven’t watched it, google it – it’s one of the best things I’ve ever watched,) and as someone that’s been obsessed with the case since I was a little girl it was the perfect intro. The two friends that host this podcast basically watch true crime documentaries and in the ad breaks discuss what they’ve just seen, their own theories and how their viewpoints evolve. They’ve watched everything from the Amanda Knox Netflix doc, to The Staircase which features the Kathleen Peterson case (more on that below) and O.J Simpson; it’s the best way to pass an hour in the evening. I love how you have to watch the programmes yourself and then listen to their thoughts, bridging a very clever gap between telly and podcasts. They’re very funny, making something that could’ve been heavy into one of my fave podcasts of the moment.
Stuff You Should Know Quite hard going and not one I binge listen to, Stuff You Should Know covers some really interesting topics and makes them far easier to understand – even if the hosts are a tad annoying. They’ve covered everything from clowns, spiders, tea, Stonehenge, perfume, colour, oceans, passports, police dogs, alcoholism and dreams; with over 200 episodes to choose from there’s sure to be something to tickle your fancy. I’ve taken to listening to episodes of this in the car when I know I can’t be distracted by my phone or making cups of tea, and although they’re not exactly easy listening I do learn a lot more about stuff I would’ve never bothered to research!
Buffering The Vampire Slayer I grew up on Buffy and can probably attribute 50% off my kick-ass attitude to watching her beat the crap out of every demon that came at her, without barely breaking a sweat. She’s a feminist icon of a generation and I hope the love for Sunnydale never wanes. Buffering The Vampire Slayer is for hardcore fans of the show, as the two hosts dissect each episode in turn and discuss the funny anecdotes and odd characters – as well as pointing out elements that will become more important as the series continues. It’s a great way to revisit the show and it instantly brings back memories of those key moments that left you weeping, laughing or hiding behind the sofa. A must-listen for any Buffy fans, or those that want to discover this iconic teen show.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt I’d heard about the Michael and Kathleen Peterson case on another podcast, which focused on ‘Owl Theory’ and the fact that Michael was wrongly accused of his wife’s murder when in fact an owl was responsible for attacking her. This BBC Radio Five Live production is fast paced and thorough, taking you through the details of the relatively unknown case (which involves Kathleen being found at the bottom of a staircase) and presenting the facts for you to make up your own mind; it speaks to many of the key people and delves into elements that aren’t covered by other productions, giving you short and snappy episodes which leave me wanting more. A great intro if you’re new to podcasts too. Reply All I fully accredit this discovery to Kirsty from Fashion For Lunch who kept encouraging me to listen to their wild and wacky stories; it’s now something that I always turn to when I need a podcast hit and I don’t know what I fancy. Although stories of the internet underpin every episode, the hosts cover everything from medical mysteries and dating dilemmas, to internet scams and current affairs. One of their most recent double episode stories that started off as an Indian call centre scam evolved into a tense mystery that my fiance and I listened to in tandem in the gym so we could discuss immediately together afterwards; if that’s not podcast gold then I don’t know what is! Someone Knows Something I’d definitely recommend skipping season one of this and delving straight into season two, which covers the disappearance of Sheryl Sheppard after her New Years Eve engagement which was broadcast on television in 1997. Her body was never found, but there’s one very clear suspect that is incriminated by basically everyone that knew him – even if the police couldn’t prove it. This addictive show looks back at the case and analyses the television footage, partnering up with her mother in an attempt to resolve it once and for all; after you’ve become so immersed in the story, they even manage to speak to the main suspect to keep you on the edge of your metaphorical seat. I actually started to go to the gym more regularly so I could listen to this uninterrupted, which is podcast commitment at the highest level.
Let’s Discuss Hosted by Ella from Coco’s Tea Party and Monica from The Elgin Avenue, Let’s Discuss is basically two friends chatting about issues that impact women in their twenties and beyond: money, heartbreak, organisation, travel, comparison, social media and much more. It’s really easy listening and essentially blog posts in audio form; they give some really useful tips and tidbits of advice, even if they do come across like two of the most perfect creatures to ever grace this earth. (Ella says her idea of relaxation is organising her closet!) If you love their blogs you’ll love their podcast, but even if they’re new to you it’s worth listening to for a sprinkling of inspo and a touch of motivation. Made Online I couldn’t cover off my favourite podcasts without including my own! When I started Made Online I had no idea what to expect and if it would be any good, but thankfully the response has been incredible and I’m overwhelmed with the support I’ve been shown. The overarching idea is that I speak to those that have made their life changing career, moment or business online and get them to share their story (and secrets.) So far I’ve spoken with Sara Tasker from Me & Orla, Jane Cunningham from British Beauty Blogger, Millie Kendall from BeautyMart, the founders of Spectrum Collections, the women who grew Harrods’ Instagram to one million followers, authors Grace Victory and Emily Clarkson, as well as some incredible bloggers. Right now there are ten episodes to enjoy and I have some amazing guests lined up in the coming months, so make sure you subscribe to listen first!
If you want to immerse yourself in the world of podcasts, then have I got a treat for you… I’ve teamed up with VQ (who make some incredible Bluetooth enabled radios) to offer one reader their very own choice of VQ radio, so they can listen to some of my podcast recommendations in the comfort of their own home. Whether you choose to do so in the bath, while doing the washing up or cosy in bed is up to you! All you have to do is enter via the widget below. Good luck and happy listening! (PS: Got any other awesome podcast recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway Read my post on podcasts (which covers the basics, how to listen and an intro into Made Online) here for more info! The VQ Retro Mini radio starts at £69.99 and is available via their website, or from major electrical retailers.
SHOP THE RADIO
SIGN UP TO MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE EXCLUSIVE NEWS, GIVEAWAYS & INFO ON WHAT YOU’VE MISSED!
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Just a bit of fun; I was tagged in the “five minute makeup challenge” by fellow beauty Youtuber, Marnie Goldberg, and decided to accept. I have never done one of these “tag” videos before, usually because they involve tasting weird foods or getting your boyfriend to draw on your face or other stuff that might be hilarious if you were twelve. God, I’m so grumpy, aren’t I? Ha!
Anyway, I expected this challenge to be easy-peasy – no way do I take longer than five minutes to do my makeup, I thought – but in actual fact it is incredibly difficult to do a full face of maquillage in under five minutes. Especially if you gabble as much as I do, waffling on about colds and product details and so on. Funny thing; if you’ve been doing beauty vids for a few years, you find yourself very naturally pausing to talk about each makeup item, wanting to explain what you like and don’t like about it and how to use it. I think it just happens out of habit – I even do it with friends, when they ask for recommendations and makeup advice. It must drive them bonkers!
But here we are: makeup in under five minutes. Supposedly. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so you’ll just have to watch to find out whether I made the grade! All of the products used are linked-to below, and my apologies re the absolutely gorgeous Chanel palette: it’s from last summer! It was still in my “to do” box, which shows just how far behind I am with things…
Products Used:
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation (I wear shade 20): http://tidd.ly/7833e124 – applied with a Zoeva flat-topped foundation brush.
Bobbi Brown Bronzer in 01: http://tidd.ly/5d3c0f38 – applied with a huge Chanel powder brush!
Bobbi Brown Brightening Brick in Tawny: http://tidd.ly/e86b2980
Eve Lom Light Illusion Undereye Concealer: http://goo.gl/GEC2bj
Pixi Brow Duo in Medium Brown: http://tidd.ly/9bb4175b
Chanel Tissé Mademoiselle – oops, this isn’t new at all! I don’t know where I even got this from! – I used a Real Techniques Bold Metals eye brush and then a Zoeva concealer brush to buff in.
Guerlain Maxi Lash in Moka – BEST brown mascara ever! http://tidd.ly/1bfabb0e
Zelens Lip Gloss in Rose: http://goo.gl/y895ps
My shirt was from the Hollister sale. My nails are painted with Ciaté in “Sweet Talk”.
The post The Five Minute Makeup Challenge… appeared first on A Model Recommends.
